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Standing in front of the mirror, Quinn couldn’t stop smiling as the girls finished fussing over her. They were at a fancy boutique hotel downtown where, after the ceremony, they’d eat cake, drink too much champagne, minus the Novichok, and dance the night away. It was crazy to think she and Braxton were about to get married—again—and Inda, Harper, Aubrey, River and Mia, her newest sisters, were by her side to primp and prepare her.

She and Brax didn’t want anything big since this was the second time around, but they’d been persuaded to hold a small, intimate ceremony with the team and Quinn’s family. Hunter picked them up and flew them to San Francisco, and when her brood of feisty, independent women stepped off the private jet, Quinn had been waiting.

Because she’d been forced to go off the grid, Quinn hadn’t seen her family in person for the past five years. The epic reunion had included plenty of happy tears, kisses and embraces. Brax had been waiting with her, and her family had loved on him, too. They welcomed him back into the fold with open arms.

Now, as Harper adjusted the plumeria flower tucked behind her ear and Aubrey handed her a matching bouquet, Quinn’s heart kicked up a notch. She’d chosen plumeria in honor of their first marriage and the time spent in Hawaii, where they’d fallen in love.

She’d say the first time they’d fallen in love, but the truth was she’d never fallen out. After going on the run, she’d been hurt and angry, but Braxton had always been deeply-rooted in her heart and soul.

Even when she’d wanted to kill him.

Good thing they could laugh about that now.

Brax had kept his word and he, Zane, River and Lucas went on a manhunt to find out who was responsible for betraying her. He also called in every favor he had with former colleagues and friends. In less than three weeks, they’d been able to discover she’d been set up by a fellow agent who’d sold the specs of the drone to a very rich man who in turn sold it to terrorists.

Thanks to Brax and his determination to clear her name, she could now breathe easier. The CIA apologized, along with the President of the United States, and Quinn had received a full pardon. And a job offer, which she politely declined.

Running around the world and chasing down bad guys no longer appealed to her. She’d done it for far too long. Right now, the only thing she wanted to do was marry the man she loved and maybe one day give him a baby or two, if it was in the cards. If not, she’d be more than happy to adopt a fur baby. Brax seemed to have a fondness for River’s cat, so Quinn thought rescuing a kitten would be a good place to start in terms of growing their family.

Hell, she’d even stopped biting her nails because her stress levels had dropped so much. Looking down at her polished nails, she realized she liked them so much better. And Brax didn’t seem to mind the scratches she left down his back now.

“Are you ready?” Inda asked.

“It’s not like she hasn’t done this before,” River added, and the women chuckled.

“It’s still nerve-wracking,” Quinn said. “Maybe because we have an audience this time around. Or maybe because I’m scared he’ll change his mind.”

“No way.” Harper gave an emphatic shake of her blonde head. “That man is so head over heels in love with you, he can’t see straight.”

“And we’re so happy to celebrate your love,” Aubrey said.

“Thank you.” Quinn felt emotion fill and overwhelm her. “You’ve all been so wonderful. I’m sorry we got off to a bit of a rough start.”

“Forget about it. The Agency has been defeated and we’re all family now.” Inda threw an arm around Quinn. “Bring it in, ladies.”

The women came together, arms around each other, and shared a big hug.

And Quinn knew she’d not only found Brax again, but a whole new family. One she was incredibly grateful for and ready to get to know even better.

She’d never been more excited for the future.

◆◆◆

Braxton stood tall and straight under the arch of flowers, his gaze fixed on the door where Quinn was getting ready. Where was she? He glanced down at his watch then tugged at his tie, trying to push down the rising nerves. What if she changed her mind?

“She’ll be out in a minute,” Hunter assured him, reaching over and adjusting his crooked tie. “Now hold still and stop fidgeting.”

He’d asked Pyro to stand by his side and act as his best woman because she always had a way of helping him stay focused and grounded. Nothing riled up the laidback woman and she always remained cool under pressure. Probably why she was the best pilot he knew.

“Yeah, don’t stress,” Zane added. He was acting as officiant and had a ceremony book tucked under his arm. “If she planned on leaving, she would’ve jet already.”

“Thanks,” Brax murmured dryly, and Zane chuckled. “That’s very reassuring.”

Pulling in a deep breath, he laid a hand over his jacket pocket where her seashell wedding band was securely tucked. Although they’d discussed choosing new bands, neither wanted to part with their original ones. Brax did buy Quinn a nice diamond, though. A sparkling pink stone, actually, because he liked how it matched the iridescent shells in her band.

“There’s your bride now,” Zane murmured.

Brax lifted his head as the women came pouring out of the room, fluttering and excited. As they took their seats up front next to their men, Quinn looked down the aisle at him. She looked absolutely stunning. Her red hair fell in soft waves to her shoulders, a flower securely tucked behind her ear. She wore a long, emerald gown that hugged her curves, and when she turned sideways to link an arm through her mom’s, Brax let out a slow exhale, his eyes sliding down her bare back where the dress plunged precariously low.

As they began to walk up the aisle, he couldn’t drag his eyes off her. She was the most magnificent woman he’d ever seen. He couldn’t wait to pull her into his arms and kiss her as Zane declared them husband and wife.

When Quinn’s mother handed her over to him, Brax pulled her close, his hands holding hers around the bouquet. The emerald dress made her green eyes appear so bright, and they sparkled like a pair of jewels. He couldn’t look away. Not for anything in the world.

“You look so beautiful,” he said, voice low and appreciative.

“Thank you, so do you,” she whispered. “And you didn’t gel your hair.”

His mouth edged up. “Nope. All these annoying curls belong to you.”

“Good. I’ll take every single one.”

They shared a smile and turned to face Zane. The ceremony went by in a flash of words and a couple of tears, and then they were exchanging promises and rings. Although they’d done it before, this time things felt different in the best possible way. Braxton had never been so sure of anything in his life. Plus they were surrounded by friends and family who made it even better.

“I now declare you husband and wife—again,” Zane announced with a cheeky grin. “Let’s hear it for Mr. and Mrs. Braxton ‘Pharaoh’ Graves!”

Cheers, clapping and whistles filled the air as Brax tugged Quinn against his body. They shared a smile before he lowered his head and captured her mouth in a kiss that promised forever.

Forever and ever and ever.

◆◆◆

Hunter “Pyro” McGrath

The party was in full swing and Hunter couldn’t have been happier for Pharaoh and Quinn. He was a good man, the best, but she couldn’t help but feel a smidge of jealousy as she watched him dip his new bride on the dance floor. They were crazy in love, bubbling over with happiness, and as much as she secretly wished for the same, she had a feeling it wouldn’t ever happen. The hurt she’d experienced, and the massive trust issues it caused, made it so much easier to hide behind a jaunty mask and act like nothing bothered her. It also made her seem aloof, one of the guys, and that had its consequences, too.

Give her the wide blue yonder and she was content. Or, at least, that’s what she kept telling herself. But it was beginning to feel like a lie.

Leaning against the wall, she took a sip of champagne and let her gaze wander over the group. The Agency was officially gone, which meant Ex Nihilo no longer had a purpose. Sure, they’d all remain friends and family, but Hunter had always felt a little disconnected. While they’d been off battling bad guys and hunkering down in safehouses and falling in love, she’d always remained with the jet, alone and waiting to take off. Part of the team, but not fully part of the group.

Most of that group was now on the dance floor, laughing and being silly. Ryland was still recovering from his gunshot wound, but it was practically all healed. He and Harper sat at a table, whispering to each other, and she saw him place a hand over his wife’s slightly-rounded belly. They were so excited about her pregnancy and planning a trip to visit Savannah, Harper’s older sister who lived in San Diego. She ran a wildly popular restaurant on Coronado Island called Charlie’s Place, named in memory of their dad.

That level of intimacy was inconceivable to Hunter. She enjoyed her independence and couldn’t imagine sharing her bed much less her life with someone. Maybe the issue was she’d been single for far too long and she wouldn’t even know how to have a relationship. She’d tried it before and it hadn’t worked out, and failure was something she avoided at all costs.

Feeling more than a little lost, she stood at the edge of the party like the odd man out. Pity, much like failure, was something she did her best to avoid. But, sometimes, the dull throb of loneliness took hold and made her wonder what was wrong with her? Why was everyone else—even surly Saint—able to find someone to love?

Face it, Pyro, she told herself. You’re destined to be alone.

Maybe the sooner she accepted it, the happier she’d be. By now, she was damn good at putting on a smile when she felt like crying. Pushing her emotions down and showing the world a carefree, tough as nails exterior was what she did. What she would continue to do.

“Pyro!”

Hunter looked over to see Ryland motioning to her. Assuming he felt bad because she was by herself, she walked over and joined him and Harper, trying to paste on her usual grin, but failing miserably.

“You don’t look like you’re enjoying the party very much,” he said, shoving a plate her way. “Have some cake.”

“Thanks.” But she didn’t reach for the fork, just stared down at the white frosting and rose on top.

“I don’t suppose you have some free time right now, do you?” he asked, leaning forward.

“Now that the Ex Nihilo crew is basically retired, I have plenty. Why? What’s up?”

“I just got a call from my sister.” Hunter tilted her head, listening closely. “One of her crew needs help. More specifically, he’s stuck somewhere and needs to be picked up. ASAP.”

“Where is he?” she asked, straightening up.

“South America.”

“Why is he down there?”

Ryland exchanged a look with Harper who paused gobbling down another mozzarella stick. She’d eaten an entire plate of them, claiming the baby loved them. “Well, Addie said he got into some hot water after, ah, trying to steal an emerald. I understand if you don’t want to get involved. I could ask Dash Slater’s pilot—”

“I’ll go.” This was exactly what she needed. A distraction, a mission, a flight to get the hell out of San Francisco and away from all the lovey-doveyness.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Get me the specifics and I can get the jet ready right now.”

“Thanks, Pyro, I really appreciate it. And Addie will, too.”

“No problem.” Now that she had a job, she felt better. Having something to focus on, somewhere new to go, allowed her to ignore the loneliness that had been steadily creeping in and taking over. At least for a little while longer.

After a quick goodbye to everyone, Hunter made her way over to where the happily married couple was slow dancing, completely lost in each other. She felt bad interrupting but didn’t want to be rude and just leave.

“Congrats, you two,” Hunter said. “I wish you all the best.”

Brax dragged his eyes off Quinn and shot Hunter an inquisitive look. “You’re leaving already?”

“I have to. Rip just told me one of his sister’s friends is in a jam and needs an exfil. I’m going down to South America to pick him up.”

“He?” Quinn asked with a mischievous smirk.

“Who?” Brax asked, going into protector mode.

She shrugged. “I’m still waiting for more details. But it’s just a quick in and out. Nothing to worry about.”

“If you need help or run into any trouble, let me know,” Brax said.

“I’ll be fine. Besides, you two have a honeymoon in Hawaii waiting.”

“Be careful,” Brax said as she turned to walk away.

Hunter glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t forget, you owe me a plane, Pharaoh.”

When she’d first agreed to help Brax and Ex Nihilo, they’d faked their deaths by crashing her plane. The one she’d been using was on loan from Slater Security.

“I know.” He sighed. “I’m working on it.”

Hunter tossed him a jaunty salute then headed for the door. As much as she loved everyone in that room, she was grateful to get away and head out on a new mission. Her future felt shaky, unsure, and this trip would give her time to think as she soared over the clouds. Flying tended to clear her head and she needed to figure her life out.

Because its current trajectory was a long, winding, very lonely road.

◆◆◆

Braxton watched Hunter walk away and tightened his arms around his wife. “I’m worried about her,” he murmured.

“Hunter’s tough,” Quinn said. “And if she runs into any trouble, she’ll call.”

“No, not about the mission,” he said thoughtfully. “It feels like she’s pulling away, spending more time alone.”

“Maybe that’s all about to change. Maybe she’s about to pick up a man who will sweep her off her feet.”

Brax looked into his wife’s twinkling green eyes and snorted. “Doubtful. If this is one of Addie’s people, he’s probably an unscrupulous thief.”

“Hey, you do remember we were a couple of assassins, right?”

His mouth edged up. “True.”

“The pilot and the thief who stole her heart,” she mused.

“When did you become such a romantic?” Brax trailed his fingers up her bare arms, eliciting a small shiver.

“After I met you.”

He cupped her face, utterly lost in her, in his emotions. “Thank God we found each other again, Q, because you are my everything.”

“I love you, Graves. Since the first moment we met.”

“Since the very first moment,” he emphasized, then leaned in and kissed his wife. He had a lifetime of kisses to give her, and he’d never been more grateful for the beauty and miracle of second chances.

I hope you enjoyed Braxton and Quinn’s story! This is the end of the Force Protection Delta series, but Hunter is spinning us off into a brand new series called Ring of Thieves—and she has no idea that she’s about to meet a very sexy, very charming thief who will steal her heart.

To Love a Thief (Ring of Thieves, Book 1) is available for preorder now.